Construction and materials industries

'Thank God for rich people'

Article Abstract:

The number of megayachts has doubled from 2,700 to 5,600 from 1995 to 2000, as a strong US economy has increased the number of people who can afford these boats. They come with options such as helicopter pads, retracting dance floors, 40-foot tenders, marble tubs, turbine engines and hydraulic garages. Most of the growth occurred in the 80 to 89-foot category, where semicustomization has reduced the waiting time for buyers. However, the true megayacht is built according to the customer's specifications, which may reach up to 400 ft in length.

An OMC bright spot: jump in dealer orders

Article Abstract:

Financially-troubled Outboard Marine Corp (OMC) was able to increase orders by 30% for its 2001 products during its dealer meeting in Aug 2000, held in Dallas, TX. The higher volume of orders could not have come at a better time for OMC, which reported lower financial results a week after the meeting was held. CEO David Jones said he believed that OMC has some of the best products in the industry for 2001, a year in which OMC will regain some of its lost market share, according to Jones.